Cognitively Based Attitude

Cognitively Based Attitude: An attitude based primarily on people's beliefs about the properties of an attitude object. Affectively Based Attitude: An attitude based more on people's feelings and values than on their beliefs about the nature of an attitude object. They are often linked to people's values, so that trying to change them challenges those values. Implicit Attitudes: Attitudes that are involuntary, uncontrollable, and at times unconscious

The most powerful form of social influence produces obedience and occurs when a legitimate authority figure gives an order.

First of all violating a norm is not an easy task. The other day I tried to enter Walmart without shoes on. I just couldn't go on. It was one of the most difficult things I have ever did in my life. The reactions I got from people were the most humiliating ones I've ever experienced my entire life. My head sank between my knees, I felt like I was about to perish. There are also simple norms that you can easily break without suffering the consequences. For example I tried to say hello to everybody i meet one day, contrary to going without shoes on in a supermarket, the results were so fun that i decided to repeat the process the next day. That's why it makes total sense "What you do well, you are likely to do even better in front of an audience, especially a friendly audience; what you normally find difficult may seem all but impossible when you are being watched" (Myers, 2011, 38.2.1)

That day at Walmart, people simply ignored me, some look away or stare intently. Some people laugh while a few gave me a mean look. First of all, let me say that ordinarily, my anxiety prevents me from breaking norm, second I felt that powerful need to justify my actions after I violated that norm. Third the power of immediate circumstances on my feelings and behavior is immense. Thus "The price we pay for violating social norms-understood rules for accepted behaviors-may be severe" (Myers, 2011,38.1.1)

References

Myers, D. G. (2011). Exploring psychology in modules (8th ed.). New York: Worth Publishers.

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